A's keep stacking lineup against lefties

Updated 11:31 pm, Saturday, August 23, 2014

A's manager Bob Melvinjoked that he arrived at the ballpark later than usual Saturday and, squeezed for time, figured he might as well use the same lineup he did Friday night.

The A's don't do things randomly, of course. They started eight right-handed hitters against Angels lefty C.J. Wilson, the same eight righties they started in Friday night's 5-3 victory (when Los Angeles started another lefty, Hector Santiago).

And the only left-handed hitter in the lineup both nights, Sam Fuld, is unconventional: He historically has a higher batting average against left-handed pitchers than he does against righties (as is the case this season).

This right-leaning lineup also gave Melvin a deep supply of potent left-handed bats to use late in the game. Brandon Moss, Stephen Vogt, Josh Reddick, John Jasoand Eric Sogard all were available against an Angels bullpen without a left-handed reliever.

"That's what we're all about," Melvin said of his imbalanced lineup. "That's kind of the way we're built. Guys know we make a lot of in-game moves."

Rickey's riff: Rickey Henderson, at the ballpark in his role as a roving instructor, spoke highly of this year's A's team - especially its potential to manufacture runs with speedy Coco Crispand Craig Gentryatop the lineup.

Henderson also offered his good-natured take on the faux races of oversize Hall of Famers at Oakland home games, matching guys dressed up as Rickey, Dennis Eckersleyand Rollie Fingers.

"They got the fast guy as Rollie," Henderson said, smiling. "I'm kinda pissed. I'm going to have to run out there and trip Rollie one day."

Briefly: First baseman Kyle Blankshas tendinitis in his left Achilles and will be "shut down for a while," Melvin said. Blanks has been on the disabled list since June 23. ... Shortstop Jed Lowrie, on the disabled list with a broken finger, still can't throw and is not likely to return soon.

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